U.S. patent number 5,248,168 [Application Number 07/832,810] was granted by the patent office on 1993-09-28 for flexible quick disconnect coupling with vibration absorbing member.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Aeroquip Corporation. Invention is credited to Roger A. Cassell, Dennis B. Chichester.
United States Patent |
5,248,168 |
Chichester , et al. |
September 28, 1993 |
Flexible quick disconnect coupling with vibration absorbing
member
Abstract
A vibration absorbing, noise attenuating connector utilizing
threadless coupling connecting means including a quick disconnect
feature for use in hydraulic, pneumatic and refrigeration conduit
systems.
Inventors: |
Chichester; Dennis B. (Jackson,
MI), Cassell; Roger A. (Parma, MI) |
Assignee: |
Aeroquip Corporation (Maumee,
OH)
|
Family
ID: |
25262674 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/832,810 |
Filed: |
February 2, 1992 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
285/49; 285/232;
285/233; 285/319 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16L
27/1021 (20130101); F16L 37/52 (20130101); F16L
37/0982 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F16L
37/52 (20060101); F16L 27/00 (20060101); F16L
27/10 (20060101); F16L 37/098 (20060101); F16L
37/00 (20060101); F16L 055/02 (); F16L
027/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;285/49,232,234,263,300,233,226,319 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Nicholson; Eric K.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Emch, Schaffer, Schaub &
Porcello Co.
Claims
We claim:
1. A connector comprising:
(a) a tubular member having a wall extending along an axis to an
open end, said wall having a cylindrical outer surface portion and
engagement means; and,
(b) a coupling member having
(i) a casing with an annular side wall and spaced apart first and
second ends, each of said ends having an opening lying along an
axis;
(ii) a vibration absorbing member within said casing, said
vibration absorbing member including a supported end adjacent said
casing first end, a free end, an external wall portion between said
supported end and said free end, and an inner wall defining an
axial passageway generally aligned with said axis;
(iii) means extending from said casing first end for supporting
said vibration absorbing member within said casing with said
external wall portion and said free end in spaced relationship with
said casing second end and annular side wall and cooperating with
said casing to define a gap, said means permitting angular
displacement of said vibration absorbing member within said gap;
and
(iv) retention means on said vibration absorbing member for rapidly
engaging and disengaging said tubular member within said central
passageway in sealing relationship.
2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein said casing has a
chamber extending beyond said vibration absorbing member free end
for muffling noise of a fluid passing therethrough.
3. A connector according to claim 2, wherein said vibration
absorbing member inner wall is in spaced relationship with all
other components of said connector at said supported end and
throughout a major portion of its axial length from said supported
end to said free end.
4. A connector according to claim 1, wherein said retention means
includes:
(a) an annular body member positioned within said axial passageway
and sized to receive said tubular member, said body member being
mounted on said vibration absorbing member adjacent said free
end;
(b) annular gasket means retained with said body member for
receiving said tubular member in sealing relationship with said
outer surface portion; and
(c) radially displaceable latch means cooperating with said body
member for receiving said tubular member and engaging said
engagement means.
5. A connector according to claim 4, wherein said vibration
absorbing member inner wall is in spaced relationship with all
other components of said connector at said supported end and
throughout a major portion of its axial length from said supported
end to said free end.
6. A connector comprising:
(a) a tubular member having a wall extending along an axis to an
open end, said wall having a cylindrical outer surface portion and
engagement means; and,
(b) a coupling member having
(i) a casing with an annular side wall and spaced apart first and
second ends, each of said ends having an opening lying along an
axis;
(ii) a vibration absorbing member within said casing extending from
a supported end adjacent said casing first end to a free end spaced
from said casing second end, said vibration absorbing member having
an inner wall defining an axial passageway generally aligned with
said axis and an annular outer wall;
(iii) means extending from said casing first end for supporting
said vibration absorbing member within said casing in spaced
relationship with said casing second end and annular side wall,
said means permitting angular displacement of said vibration
absorbing member adjacent said free end; and
(iv) retention means on said vibration absorbing member for
retaining said tubular member within said central passageway in
sealing relationship, said retention means including
(A) an annular body member positioned within said axial passageway
and sized to receive said tubular member, said body member being
mounted on said vibration absorbing member adjacent said free
end;
(B) annular gasket means retained with said body member for
receiving said tubular member in sealing relationship with said
outer surface portion; and
(C) latch means cooperating with said body member for receiving
said tubular member and engaging said engagement means;
said body member including a first cylindrical wall portion having
a predetermined diameter encircling said latch means and
terminating at an inwardly directed shoulder, a second cylindrical
wall portion having a diameter smaller than said predetermined
diameter extending from said shoulder and encircling said annular
gasket means, a second shoulder extending inwardly from said second
cylindrical wall portion, said gasket means being retained between
said latch means and said second shoulder.
7. A connector according to claim 6, wherein said body member has
an inwardly directed flange extending from said first cylindrical
wall portion and said latch means includes a collar engaging said
inwardly directed flange, a first set of spaced apart fingers
abutting said second cylindrical wall portion and extending from
said collar to an end at said inwardly directed shoulder and a
second set of spaced apart fingers extending from said collar and
angled inwardly toward said axis and terminating at free ends
axially spaced from the ends of said first set of spaced apart
fingers, said second set of spaced apart fingers being capable of
being resiliently urged outwardly upon movement of said tubular
member engagement means thereby, said second set of spaced apart
fingers moving inwardly to engage said engagement means following
movement of said tubular member engagement means to a position
beyond the ends of said second set of fingers.
8. A connector according to claim 6, wherein said body member first
cylindrical wall portion is in spaced relationship with said
vibration absorbing member.
9. A connector according to claim 6, wherein said casing has a
chamber extending beyond said vibration absorbing member free end
for muffling noise of a fluid passing therethrough.
10. A connector according to claim 7 further including means for
disconnecting said tubular member from said coupling member
comprising a sleeve encircling said tubular member outer surface in
an area on the opposite side of said engagement means from said
open end, said sleeve being axially slideable along said tubular
member outer surface from a first position remote from said
engagement means to a second position in the vicinity of said
engagement means, said sleeve contacting and urging said second set
of spaced apart fingers outwardly to disengage them from said
engagement means as said sleeve is moved to said second
position.
11. A connector comprising:
(a) a tubular member having a wall extending along an axis to an
open end, said wall having a cylindrical outer surface portion and
engagement means; and,
(b) a coupling member having
(i) a casing with an annular side wall and spaced apart first and
second ends, each of said ends having an opening lying along an
axis;
(ii) a vibration absorbing member within said casing extending from
a supported end adjacent said casing first end to a free end spaced
from said casing second end, said vibration absorbing member having
an inner wall defining an axial passageway generally aligned with
said axis and an annular outer wall;
(iii) means extending from said casing first end for supporting
said vibration absorbing member within said casing in spaced
relationship with said casing second end and annular side wall,
said means permitting angular displacement of those portions of
said vibration absorbing member adjacent said free end; and
(iv) retention means on said vibration absorbing member for
receiving and retaining said tubular member within said central
passageway in sealing relationship, said retention means
including
(A) an annular body member positioned within said axial passageway
and sized to receive said tubular member, said body member being
mounted on said vibration absorbing member adjacent said free
end;
(B) annular gasket means retained with said body member for
receiving said tubular member in sealing relationship with said
outer surface portion; and
(C) latch means retained within said body member for receiving said
tubular member and having radially displaceable members releasably
engaging said engagement means.
12. A connector according to claim 11, wherein said vibration
absorbing member inner wall is in spaced relationship with all
other components of said connector at said supported end and
throughout a major portion of its axial length from said supported
end to said free end.
13. A connector comprising:
(a) a tubular member having a wall extending along an axis to an
open end, said wall having a cylindrical outer surface portion and
engagement means; and,
(b) a coupling member having
(i) a casing with an annular side wall and spaced apart first and
second ends, each of said ends having an opening lying along as
axis;
(ii) a vibration absorbing member within said casing extending from
a supported end adjacent said casing first end to a free end spaced
from said casing second end, said vibration absorbing member having
an inner wall defining an axial passageway generally aligned with
said axis and an annular outer wall;
(iii) means extending from said casing first end for supporting
said vibration absorbing member within said casing in spaced
relationship with said casing second end and annular side wall,
said means permitting angular displacement of those portions of
said vibration absorbing member adjacent said free end; and
(iv) retention means on said vibration absorbing member for
receiving and retaining said tubular member within said central
passageway in sealing relationship, said retention means
including
(A) an annular body member positioned within said axial passageway
and sized to receive said tubular member, said body member being
mounted on said vibration absorbing member adjacent said free
end;
(B) annular gasket means retained with said body member for
receiving said tubular member in sealing relationship with said
outer surface portion; and
(C) latch means retained within said body member for receiving said
tubular member and engaging said engagement means;
said body member including a first cylindrical wall portion having
a predetermined diameter encircling said latch means and
terminating at an inwardly directed shoulder, a second cylindrical
wall portion having a diameter smaller than said predetermined
diameter extending from said shoulder and encircling said annular
gasket means, a second shoulder extending inwardly from said second
cylindrical wall portion, said gasket means being retained between
said latch means and said second shoulder.
14. A connector according to claim 13, wherein said body member has
an inwardly directed flange extending from said first cylindrical
wall portion and said latch means includes a collar engaging said
inwardly directed flange, a first set of spaced apart fingers
abutting said second cylindrical wall portion and extending from
said collar to an end at said inwardly directed shoulder and a
second set of spaced apart fingers extending from said collar and
angled inwardly toward said axis and terminating at free ends
axially spaced from the ends of said first set of spaced apart
fingers, said second set of spaced apart fingers being capable of
being resiliently urged outwardly upon movement of said tubular
member engagement means thereby, said second set of spaced apart
fingers moving inwardly to engage said engagement means following
movement of said tubular member engagement means to a position
beyond the ends of said second set of fingers.
15. A connector according to claim 14 further including means for
disconnecting said tubular member from said coupling member
comprising a sleeve encircling said tubular member outer surface in
an area on the opposite side of said engagement means from said
open end, said sleeve being axially slideable along said tubular
member outer surface from a first position remote from said
engagement means to a second position in the vicinity of said
engagement means, said sleeve contacting and urging said second set
of spaced apart fingers outwardly to disengage them from said
engagement means as said sleeve is moved to said second
position.
16. A connector according to claim 11, wherein said casing has a
chamber extending beyond said vibration absorbing member free end
for muffling noise of a fluid passing therethrough.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the field of flexible connectors
for fastening together lengths of tubing and, more particularly,
relates to a threadless quick disconnect type connector having an
integral vibration isolation feature. Under one embodiment, the
connector also incorporates a muffler to attenuate noise which
results from the flow of pressurized fluids through a conduit
system such as hydraulic, pneumatic and refrigeration systems.
BACKGROUND ART
Fluid systems utilizing rigid lengths of tubing such as copper,
steel or aluminum tubing are often subjected to mechanical
vibrations which, if not absorbed or dampened, may produce
undesirable noise and may cause tubing failure due to metal
fatigue. A number of prior art devices have been conceived to
absorb vibrations, including torsional and bending vibrations
without fluid leakage. One such device is a pressurized vibration
isolator disclosed and claimed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,078,
incorporated herein by reference, which is assigned to the assignee
of the present application. As will be appreciated, the pressurized
vibration isolator disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,078 is required
to be permanently assembled within the fluid transport system as by
soldering or other attaching means.
The present invention provides a connector which combines the
advantages of dampening vibrations and combines therein a finger
latch connector or other threadless connector mechanisms which may
be rapidly and easily assembled into a conduit system having rigid
lengths of tubing. Such finger latch connectors have previously
been known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,637,640
and 4,647,082, incorporated herein by reference, disclose two types
of finger latch connectors. Such connectors may either provide a
permanent connection or may, if desired, incorporate a releasable
feature permitting disconnection of the male and female
members.
The present invention provides a flexible finger latch connector
incorporating therewith (1) vibration dampening, (2) rapid connect
and disconnect and (3) a noise attenuating muffler. The present
invention may, depending upon the requirements for the specific end
use, incorporate all of such functions or any combination of such
functions and does so with the advantages of enhancing the
simplification of the overall system through the use of fewer
components, lighter weight, less space consumption and at a lower
overall cost. Equally important, the use of the flexible connector
of the present invention as part of a fluid transport system
results in a system which meets demanding performance requirements
of such system including the requirements of vibration attenuation,
noise attenuation and resistance to leakage.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a quick
disconnect finger latch connector which absorbs the vibrations
resulting from the flow of fluid through the system or the movement
of the engine or compressor or other elements in the system. The
damping of vibrations is particularly desirable in an automotive
air-conditioning system.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a quick
disconnect finger latch connector having the capability to not only
dampen vibrations but also to attenuate undesirable noise in a
fluid system.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
vibration dampening connector having superior sealing
characteristics with the sealing structure capable of being quickly
assembled and/or disassembled within its associated system and
positively maintained in position.
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become
readily apparent from the attached drawings and the following
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a connector embodying the
present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken through the longitudinal axis of a
connector embodying the present invention showing the male portion
separated from the female coupling portion.
FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the members assembled
together in sealing relationship.
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3 showing the finger latch release
sleeve engaging and releasing the latching fingers holding the male
body within the female coupling.
FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a modified embodiment of the present
invention incorporating a muffler.
FIG. 6 is a sectional view showing a further modified embodiment
combining a vibration absorber feature with a muffler in a
connector intended to be permanently assembled in a tubular
transport system.
BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT INVENTION
The connector of the present invention includes a male component 10
having a tubular wall 11 defining a passageway P extending along
axis A. The male component 10 is an integral part of the tubing
forming a component of a fluid transport system and terminates in
an open end 13 and has an enlarged annular shoulder 14 spaced from
such open end 13.
The connector also includes a female coupling 20 comprising a
hollow, thin-walled casing 21 having a cylindrical wall 22 and an
integral transverse wall 23 from which extends a tubular segment 24
which is part of the fluid transport system. As shown in FIG. 2,
the tubular segment 24 and the cylindrical wall 22 circumscribe
axis A of the male component 10 about to be joined therewith. At
the end of casing 21 and opposite transverse wall 23 is an integral
radial flange 26 extending from the cylindrical wall 22 inwardly
toward the axis A from which a longitudinal flange 27 extends
toward the transverse wall 23 in a direction substantially parallel
to the axis A. The casing 21 is formed in two pieces which may be
joined together at joint J by spin welding or other suitable
fastening means. If desired, the two pieces could be threadedly
joined together or the casing 21 could be formed in one piece.
Positioned within the casing 21 is a vibration absorbing member 25
which is formed of a suitable elastomeric material preferably a
rubber-like material such as HNBR or SBR synthetic rubber, natural
rubber, neoprene or a urethane material. One such material is an
HNBR material marketed under the trademark TORNAC.RTM. by Polysar
Company, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.
The vibration absorbing member 25 is permanently supported within
the casing 21 by being bonded to the radial flange 26 and
longitudinal flange 27 of the casing 21.
If desired, the vibration absorbing member 25 may be formed with a
plurality of annular metal rings 28 imbedded within the elastomer
material to provide additional resistance to angular displacement
as set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 4,198,078. Other means may
incorporated to provide additional performance attributes to the
elastomeric vibration absorbing member 25.
As may be seen from FIGS. 2-4, the vibration absorbing member 25
includes an outer wall 25A which is spaced from the interior
surface of the cylindrical wall 22 of casing 21 except for the
portion immediately adjacent to radial flange 26. The vibration
absorbing member 25 also has a first end portion 25B spaced from
the inner surface of transverse wall 23, a second end portion 25C
and an inner wall 25D.
Supported within and permanently bonded to the vibration absorbing
member 25 is the body portion 30 of a finger latch connector. The
other elements of the finger latch connector include a finger clip
40, O-ring seals 46 and circumferential spacers 47.
The body portion 30 includes a first cylindrical wall portion 31
spaced from the inner wall 25D of the vibration absorbing member
25. A short radial flange 32 extends inwardly from the first
cylindrical wall portion 31 and defines an opening into which the
tubular wall 11 of the male component 10 may be inserted. The
interior surface of the first cylindrical wall portion 31
cooperates with the interior surface of the inwardly directed
flange 32 to form a shoulder 33. Extending from the first
cylindrical wall portion 31 is a second cylindrical wall portion 34
having a reduced diameter from that of the first cylindrical wall
portion 31. A third cylindrical wall portion 35 having a smaller
diameter than the second cylindrical wall portion 34 is joined to
such second cylindrical wall portion at an inwardly directed
shoulder 36. Extending radially outward from the third cylindrical
wall portion 35 is a flange 37 embedded in and permanently bonded
to the vibration absorbing member 25 in an area adjacent the end
25B. The portions of the vibration absorbing member 25 encircling
the third cylindrical wall portion 35 abut and are bonded to the
outer surface of the third cylindrical wall portion 35.
The vibration absorbing member 25 is molded in place prior to
joining together the two sections of casing 21. Thus, prior to
joining the transverse wall 23 portion of the casing 21 to the
other portion, mold sections (not shown) including a first mold
section having molding surfaces conforming to the desired
configurations of the outer wall 25A and first end portion 25B and
a second mold section having molding surfaces conforming to the
desired configurations of the second end portion 25C and inner wall
25D are positioned with the flange 37 and third cylindrical wall
portion 35 of the body portion of the retainer enclosed therein and
with the radial flange 26 and longitudinal flange 27 of the casing
21 and metal rings 28 enclosed therein. The elastomeric material is
then molded around and permanently bonded to such flanges 26, 27
and 37 with the metal rings 28 encapsulated therein to form the
vibration absorbing member 25. As will be appreciated, the outer
surface of the third cylindrical wall portion 35 adjacent the
flange 37 and the interior surface of cylindrical wall 22 adjacent
the flange 26 will have the plasticized material bonded thereto
during the injection molding process.
Positioned within the body portion 30 of the retainer is a metallic
finger clip 40 formed of spring steel having a split collar 41 and
two sets of fingers 42 and 43 extending therefrom. The first set of
fingers 42 are generally parallel to one another and, when
positioned within the body portion 30, are snugly engaged to the
interior surface of the first cylindrical portion 31. Each of such
first set of fingers 42 terminates in an inwardly directed flange
44 which, upon assembly, preferably abuts the shoulder between the
first cylindrical portion 31 and the second cylindrical portion 34
when the end of the collar 41 is abutting at the shoulder 33.
The second set of fingers 43 are angularly directed inwardly toward
the axis A and are positioned such that each pair of first fingers
42 has a second finger 43 positioned therebetween and each set of
second fingers 43 has a first finger 42 positioned therebetween so
that there are alternating first fingers 42 and second fingers 43.
The second set of fingers 43 is shorter than the first set of
fingers 42 by an amount substantially equal to the longitudinal
extent of the annular shoulder 14 of the male component 10 so that
when the male component 10 is in the retained position as shown in
FIG. 3, the leading side of such annular shoulder 14 will engage
the flanges 44 of the first set of fingers and the trailing side of
such annular shoulder 14 will be engaged by the ends of the second
set of fingers 43.
Positioned within the second cylindrical portion 34 are a pair of
O-ring seals 46 and three circumferential plastic or metal spacers
47 with the O-ring seals 46 each having a spacer 47 positioned on
opposite sides thereof. The O-ring seals may be formed of a
resilient, chemically stable polymeric material such as a
fluorosilicone polymer known as Neoprene W. The assembly of O-ring
seals 46 and spacers 47 is fixed within the second cylindrical
portion 34 by the shoulder 36 at one end and by the flanges 44
extending inwardly from the first set of fingers 42 of clip 40. As
will be appreciated, the split collar 41 of the clip 40 may be
pinched together to permit its insertion in the body portion 30 and
will, upon release following insertion, spring outwardly to
radially expand against the interior wall of the first cylindrical
portion 31 to be retained at the shoulder 33 at one end with the
flange 44 of the first set of fingers 42 engaging the closest
spacer 47 at the other end.
When it is desired to assemble the male component 10 to the female
coupling 20, the tubing portion 11 adjacent the open end 13 is
simply inserted into the opening defined by the flange 32, the clip
40, the assembly of O-ring seals 46 and circumferential spacers 47
and the third cylindrical wall 35 of the body portion 30. During
such movement the enlarged annular shoulder 14 biases the inwardly
tapering second set of fingers 43 outwardly as it slides
therealong. Upon reaching the end of the fingers 43 upon full
insertion, the fingers 43 are then permitted to spring inwardly to
engaged the trailing side of the annular shoulder 14, thus,
retaining the male component 10 in a locked position in the female
coupling with the annular shoulder 14 pinned between the flanges 44
of the first set of fingers 42 and the ends of the second set of
fingers 43.
Although one type of clip 40 has been disclosed, it will be
appreciated that any one of a wide variety of clips could be used
as part of the finger latch connector feature of the present
invention including at least some of those disclosed in the
following U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,637,640; 4,647,082 and 4,793,637.
The outer surface of the tubing portion 11 in the area between the
open end 13 and enlarged annular shoulder 14 has a diameter
slightly larger than the inside diameter of the O-ring seals 46 so
that when inserted in the position shown in FIG. 3 there will be
formed a seal between the annular O-ring seals 46 and the outer
surface of the adjacent portion of the tubing portion 11 which is
highly resistant to leakage.
As will be appreciated, the space between the outer surface of the
vibration absorbing member 25 and the cylindrical wall 22 and
transverse wall 23 permits the vibration absorbing member 25 to
move and become angularly displaced with respect to the axis A.
The presence of the space between the outer surface of the first
and second cylindrical portions 31, 34 of the body portion 30 and
the interior surface 25D of the vibration absorbing member 25
enhances the ability of the vibration absorbing member 25 to be
angularly displaced upon being subjected to vibration or other
system motion. Additionally, removal of the stiffening members 28
will permit greater amount of angularly displacement.
If desired, the connector may be provided with means for
disconnecting the male component 10 from the female coupling 20.
Thus, there may be provided a sleeve 50 snugly engaging the
exterior surface of the tubing portion 11 on the opposite side of
the enlarged annular shoulder 14 from the open end 13. The sleeve
may include a cylindrical portion 51, outwardly extending shoulder
52 and a downwardly extending segment 53. As can be seen in
comparing FIGS. 3 and 4, when it is desired to remove the male
component 10 from the female coupling 20, the sleeve 50 is simply
moved toward the annular shoulder 14. This results in the
cylindrical wall 51 biasing the inwardly tapering second set of
fingers 43 outwardly to a position beyond the outer extent of the
annular bead 14, thus permitting the male component 10 to be
removed from the female coupling.
Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a modified embodiment
incorporating a muffler feature with the finger latch quick
disconnect coupling. Under this embodiment, there is provided a
housing/muffler 61 having a cylindrical side wall 62 having an
axial length significantly longer than the length of the
cylindrical wall 22 of casing 21 of the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4.
All other members of the embodiment of FIG. 5 are identical to
those shown and described in FIGS. 2-4. The housing/muffler
includes a transverse wall 63 which is spaced from the end 25B of
the vibration absorbing member 25 a distance significantly greater
than the distance from the end 25B to the transverse wall 23 of the
embodiment of FIGS. 2-4. As a result, an enlarged chamber C is
formed within the housing/muffler 61 in the area between the end
25B of the vibration absorbing member and the transverse wall 62.
The chamber C serves to absorb and reduce noise which occurs in the
system.
The length of the cylindrical side wall 62 and, therefore, the
distance between the end 25B of vibration absorbing member 25 and
the transverse wall 63 which determines the size of the chamber C
will depend upon the type of overall fluid transport system and the
application of its use and primarily the amount of deleterious
harmonics developed in the system. The greater the amount of
deleterious harmonics developed in such fluid transport system, the
larger size chamber C required to absorb and muffle the sound
developed by such harmonics. The size of the chamber C may be
increased by increasing the length or the diameter of the
cylindrical wall 62 or both.
As in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4, the cylindrical wall 62 is
formed in two sections which are joined together at joint J'
following forming of the vibration absorbing member around the
flanges 26, 27 and 37 as previously described.
Other types of threadless connector mechanisms may be used in the
connector of the present invention.
Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown an additional embodiment
which utilzes a vibration absorbing member in combination with a
muffler feature as part of a permanently joined unit without a
quick disconnect feature as utilized in the embodiments of FIGS.
1-5. Under the embodiment of FIG. 6, there is provided a
housing/muffler 66 having a cylindrical wall portion 67 and a
transverse wall portion 68 at one end from which extends a length
of tubing 69. The cylindrical wall 67 terminates at an open end 70
and has positioned therein a reaction wall 71 which is permanently
affixed therein by a continuous weld bead 74. The reaction wall 71
has an inwardly extending flange 72. In lieu of welding a separate
member, the reaction wall 71 could be formed by reshaping the end
of the cylindrical wall 67.
Prior to positioning the reaction wall 73 therein, an elastomeric
vibration absorbing member 75 mounted on the end of a tubular
segment or piston stem 76 is positioned therein. The piston stem 76
has a radially outwardly extending flange 77 to which the vibration
absorbing member 75 is bonded. As may be seen in FIG. 6, the
vibration absorbing member 75 has an outer wall 80 which tapers
inwardly toward the axis A as it extends away from the flange 72
thereby providing a space between the vibration absorbing member 75
and the inner surface of the cylindrical wall 67 throughout a major
portion thereof thus permitting bending and movement of the piston
stem to an angle relative to the axis A. The reaction wall 71
inwardly directed flange 72 engages and is bonded to the end of the
vibration absorbing member 75 opposite the end bonded to the flange
77 of piston stem 76 to retain the vibration absorbing member 75 in
position.
The vibration absorbing member 75 has an interior wall portion 78
tapering at an angle away from the axis A to the end engaged by the
inwardly directed flange 72 of the reaction wall 71. This provides
a gap to more readily accommodate the motion of the piston stem 76.
If desired, the housing/muffler 66 could be formed in two sections
with the cylindrical wall portion 67 joined together at a joint J".
In that way, the vibration absorbing member can be formed in place
by injection molding.
Pressurized fluid moving through the piston stem 76 to the tubing
69 or from the tubing 69 to the piston stem 76 will pass through
the chamber C between the end of the vibration absorbing member 75
and the transverse wall 62 and will thus absorb and reduce the
noise.
As shown, the vibration absorbing member 75 is formed solely of an
elastomer bonded to the end of the piston stem. However, if desired
a stiffening ring or other member as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
4,637,640 could be provided.
The connector of the present invention provides one which may be
readily assembled and, if desired, disassembled and combines
therewith a vibration absorbing feature and in other embodiments a
muffler feature.
Many modifications will become readily apparent to those skilled in
the art. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be
limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *